Reporter-News Archives Sunday, October 26, 1997 How Abilene's library stacks up next to other libraries By ANTHONY WILSON Staff Writer Space in Abilene's library is no worse than in six comparable cities -- until one looks at the mass of items and visits it accommodates. The Abilene Public Library's 0.38 square feet per capita edges the average of seven libraries in mid-sized cities, according to figures calculated by the Reporter-News. But the Texas State Library reports the Key City easily tops the list in the size of its collection and ranks a strong second in the number of visits per capita. Abilene's library boasts 408,526 items, nearly 42,000 more than second-place San Angelo. Abilene also sports the highest items per capita at 3.71. Some bond opponents have criticized the library for not discarding outdated and unused materials even though librarians removed more than 20,000 items from the collection in the past year. City Librarian Cynthia Pirtle reported no noticeable gain in space. She explained libraries must be judicious in their weeding, recognizing that some materials are irreplaceable and that patrons occasionally need rarely used items. Plus, as a regional interlibrary loan center, Abilene must keep more items in stock. "Indiscriminate weeding of a collection that took years to build would be irresponsible," Pirtle said. "It's like telling Mozart he had too many notes." The Abilene library also welcomes more visitors than most of its peers. The library averaged 2.41 visits per citizen in 1996, a number only San Angelo surpassed. During a recent visit to Abilene, Texas State Library Director Robert Martin quipped he's seen libraries in worse condition -- in Romania. "Inadequate leaps to mind," Martin said when asked his impression of the Abilene library. Noting the recent nationwide recognition Abilene's downtown revitalization has gained, Martin said the Abilene Public Library makes a poor neighbor for elegant attractions such as the Paramount Theater. "It sticks out like a sore thumb," Martin said. "The one piece of the social fabric missing downtown is the library. You need a bigger and more adequate facility. It's a compelling case." Following are synopses of how six other communities have approached their library needs. -- Lubbock -- The main library was built 23 years ago and still has 19,000 square feet waiting to be utilized. Though voters defeated a 1986 bid to build a second branch, they approved a 1993 bond to construct two branches, both of which are now open. A new central library isn't included in the city's long-range plan, though a fourth branch is. Expansion of the oldest branch also remains an outside option. -- Midland -- Midland expanded its 40-year-old main library four years ago, nearly doubling its square footage. The cost of the $3 million project was split between private donations and public monies, the latter consisting of a a $200,000 federal grant and certificates of obligation. Wegner suspects county fathers didn't want to risk a bond issue on the matter. The project was the county's first library construction since 1957. Midland also opened a 1,400-square-foot storefront branch 12 years ago. -- Odessa -- Ector County converted a 1953 office building into a library in 1981, a $1.6 million project financed with private donations, and local and federal monies. Library Director Emil Ciallella said the community is "seriously contemplating" a bond election next year to replace the cramped four-floor structure. The county has hired one of Abilene's library consultants to recommend improvements. Odessa has no branches. Echoing the sentiment of Abilene leaders, Ciallella said the community needs a stronger central facility branches can tie into. -- San Angelo -- The Concho City is preparing to double its 32,000-square-foot library by moving into the basement of a building it now shares with county and state offices. Library director Larry Justice expects grants and private gifts will support the expansion. The county-run library moved into the ground floor of a converted Sears store in 1981. Tom Green County funded the building's renovation with $1.2 million in certificates of obligation; San Angelo has never voted on library improvements. The library enjoys incredible usage, more than doubling every community except Abilene in visits per capita. Justice can't explain the elevated figure. -- Waco -- Waco's citizens have also never voted on library improvements. The main library was built 36 years ago and each of the three branches is at least 20 years old, projects all funded with general funds. While government officials in Waco historically have been reluctant to call bond elections, that soon may change. Library Director Pamela Bonnell anticipates a newly hired consultant will recommend building a facility of at least 100,000 square feet -- a project that would necessitate a bond issue. When asked of its prospects, Bonnell said, "It's hard to say. People agree we need a new library. But getting them to vote for it is another story." -- Wichita Falls -- The smallest of the seven libraries won't be for long. Wichita Falls' library moves into a remodeled 61,000 square feet in a former city activity center in April, more than tripling its current space. The move was precipitated by a roof leak that ruined the history collection in a library erected in 1918. The building has been expanded twice, but the last time was more than 40 years ago. Following a task force review, the city agreed to spend $4.1 million in certificates of obligation to renovate an existing downtown structure originally built as a department store in the 1950s. Noting the overwhelming support for a new library, City Librarian Linda Hughes is certain citizens would've supported a bond issue for the project. But city leaders decided the project could proceed quicker with certificates of obligation. Hughes reported a flood of new military personnel into Wichita Falls has been instrumental in pushing for a bigger library. "They can't believe the dinko things we have here," Hughes said. "It's been an eye-opener for the rest of the community."   Send a Letter to the Editor about This Story | Start or Join A Discussion about This Story Send the URL (Address) of This Story to A Friend: Enter their email address below: texnews.com Reporter OnLine Local Sports Texas Sports Copyright ©1997, Abilene Reporter-News / Texnews / E.W. Scripps Publications